Players can't ignore IPL lure - Law

Stuart Law, Sri Lanka's interim coach, has expressed sympathy with Lasith Malinga's decision to quit Test cricket due to a knee condition, but has also acknowledged that the lure of the IPL - with its bumper signings and opportunities to secure oneself financially in quick time - makes it difficult for players to continue playing international cricket. He added it was important to keep India "sweet", as that's where a significant part of the revenue for several cricket boards lies.

Malinga made himself unavailable for Sri Lanka's upcoming tour of England and announced his decision to quit Tests because of a "long-standing degenerative condition in the right knee". While the condition made it difficult for him to play in the longest format, he intends to continue playing limited-overs cricket, and is currently the leading wicket-taker in the IPL, where he represents Mumbai Indians.

"'It's disappointing that he doesn't want to play [the] longer [format cricket] but you can't make [force] a guy who goes through hell every time he bowls a cricket ball," Law told The Age. "I can sympathise with him. I would love him to play every game for us but that's impossible, no one does that these days.

''It's a tough one for the players because we're not talking about $10,000 here and there. We're talking about a million dollars and Malinga, when he bowls, he puts his body through hell, so … two more years of IPL cricket and he can put his feet up and not go through that pain again."

Apart from Malinga, there are three other prominent Sri Lanka players participating in the IPL - Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. The tour of England clashes with the latter stages of the IPL, and there's been confusion in Dilshan's case about when he'll join the Sri Lanka squad. He had said he wanted to join as early as May 10, ahead of the first warm-up game, but the BCCI and the Sri Lanka board are negotiating his release date. Sangakkara and Jayawardene, meanwhile, will join their squad ahead of the second warm-up fixture.

''The IPL situation - we've got to be smart with that,'' Law said. ''India, they are big brother, we've got to look after them, we don't want to upset them. It's where a lot of the world cricket boards make a lot of their money, so we've got to keep India sweet.''

The financial incentive of the IPL was a major temptation for players, Law said. ''You want the best for your players and the best Sri Lanka can supply to the players at this stage is nowhere near what other international players are getting.

''I think [better pay] will arrive one day but right now it is difficult to attract the players to continue to play international cricket when they can go to the IPL for six weeks and earn five years' money.''

Sri Lanka have undergone a change in leadership since finishing runners-up in the 2011 World Cup, with Sangakkara and Jayawardene stepping down as captain and vice-captain respectively - decisions Law could "totally respect and understand" - and their selection committee resigning. Dilshan has been named the new captain and Law has taken over from Trevor Bayliss, who he worked with as assistant coach.

''Sri Lanka will go through a rebuilding phase now," Law said. "But the amount of talent that is yet to play international cricket at this stage is amazing."

well I am totally against IPL cause as we can see dilshan is, in out situation.our senior players want to take rest from WI tour insane...WI tour is more important than IPL. I request the organisers to organise IPL in such a manner that main players from all countries can take part in next international assignment rather than taking rest..

WestIndies1987
on May 2, 2011, 7:05 GMT

@randika ayya: You make some good points. However, my main point was that I would like to see the DOMESTIC cricket expand and we see more domestic teams playing each other.That is the ONLY way that cricket will ever truly become global. If the SAME teams keep getting all the coverage the lesser teams and the associate members would stand no chance.Football has become global because domestic teams with foriegners play other domestic teams, e.g UEFA champions league.

dummy4fb
on May 2, 2011, 4:47 GMT

Why the SL board has pressed panic buttons when its team has reached world cup finals and have a good all round team for the Test level as well, seems to bemuse every one. IPL offering succor to players is baseless and the lure will be the fallout for various National boards if they do not act fast. If the boards could ban ICL players why not enforce laws rather than falling goat to IPL. IPL is basically tamasha cricket for the public who do not know cricket and should not be given so much precedence at world level.

dummy4fb
on May 2, 2011, 3:30 GMT

IPL seems to be a very good tournament only for the Indian cricketers. And they are producing good talent. But Other countries are losing because of IPL. Most of the foreign star players are not participating in their domestic games. Instead they participate in some Indian domestic games and help Indians develop their players. It's not good for the development of other countries. That's what happening to SL right now. No star players are featuring in domestic games. And thus reducing the opportunities for young talent to rise. BUT IT'S EVEN WORSE WHEN PLAYERS CHOOSE IPL OVER REPRESENTING THEIR COUNTRIES which happening right now and is very disappointing.

NP_NY
on May 1, 2011, 17:28 GMT

I think some people have got the definition of IPL window all wrong. It's not a window that the IPL desperately needs. It is a 2-month window that the international stars want, so that they won't be pulled in and out of the IPL. It just means that the players are saying "give us 2 months for ourselves and we will give you 10". I realize people who hate the IPL will find a way to blame the IPL for everything. But the fact is, the fans and the boards will have to respect the wish and freedom-of-choice of the players.

randika_ayya
on May 1, 2011, 12:04 GMT

@WestIndies1987: You've gotto be either kidding or extremely naive my friend. Cos you are obviously Indian and Obviously take the view of IPL in India as a global one. Here's an eye opener for you: Though I wouldn't comment against IPL on principal since Domestic success is vital to the games global popularity, the fact remains that IPL IS and WILL always be a domestic tournament. being a cricket crazy country Sri Lanka have not shown much interest in the IPL apart from the games that our stars feature in. Vast majority will not feel allegiances to any team and they won't even know who plays for which team. Its another big bash or a pro-40 for us. So do not expect IPL to take over the world since, while it feeds the Indian ego, it hasn't been anything extraodinary in terms of cricket. But IPL certainly has taken the professionalism in players to the next level with its massive pay-checks so that quite good for the game. This should mean better salaries for pro-cricketers world-wide!

bobagorof
on May 1, 2011, 8:42 GMT

@Ellis: "The ICC must set up a window for the IPL, or see a gradual erosion of quality players from the International scene. " I think what you'd find is exactly the same thing regardless of whether a 'window' is created or not - and that is that players will play IPL when it is on and International matches at other times. So apart from a few matches that coincide with the IPL (whose dates change from year to year), 'quality players' will still be available to their (Inter)national sides. I think the bigger concern from cricket's point of view is the trend towards retiring from longer forms to play in shorter forms, and the effect the shorter forms are having on the skills of the so-called 'quality players'. How many big-turning spinners are there in Twenty20s these days? How many out-and-out fast bowlers are able to maintain their pace through a whole day? These things were common 50 years ago. Now there is too much cricket and not enough basic skills and fitness.

WestIndies1987
on May 1, 2011, 7:19 GMT

I love the IPL and I personally want DOMESTIC cricket to become more prominent. International cricket is becoming BORING with the SAME teams playing over and over again.We need more of Mumbai vs Surrey and Trinidad&Tobago vs New South Wales.

likeintcricket
on May 1, 2011, 7:14 GMT

Cricket is completely different from Football, Basketball or any other sports. Here we have only ten competing members and the shortest cricket tour is of at least a month long with T20, one days and test cricket included in it besides the side matches. Talent wise these 8 members are nearly equal if we take the last 30 years of cricket. If given equal opportunities these teams will always provide tough competition to each other. Nowadays its India who is dominating soon it will be the turn of Australia or some other nation. This is the beauty of international cricket to which we are all proud of. Despite a one sided one day series in West Indies all of the cricket fans are following it closely. I don't think anyone outside India has any interest in IPL games. An international T20 league will provide much better competition and interest than a Mumbai vs Kochi circus.

nzcricket174
on May 1, 2011, 5:53 GMT

Its sad these days how you have to suck up to India to stay in the picture. Basically if you don't abide to India your players won't receive contracts in the IPL.

sanjeevmukherjee2006
on May 2, 2011, 8:48 GMT

well I am totally against IPL cause as we can see dilshan is, in out situation.our senior players want to take rest from WI tour insane...WI tour is more important than IPL. I request the organisers to organise IPL in such a manner that main players from all countries can take part in next international assignment rather than taking rest..

WestIndies1987
on May 2, 2011, 7:05 GMT

@randika ayya: You make some good points. However, my main point was that I would like to see the DOMESTIC cricket expand and we see more domestic teams playing each other.That is the ONLY way that cricket will ever truly become global. If the SAME teams keep getting all the coverage the lesser teams and the associate members would stand no chance.Football has become global because domestic teams with foriegners play other domestic teams, e.g UEFA champions league.

dummy4fb
on May 2, 2011, 4:47 GMT

Why the SL board has pressed panic buttons when its team has reached world cup finals and have a good all round team for the Test level as well, seems to bemuse every one. IPL offering succor to players is baseless and the lure will be the fallout for various National boards if they do not act fast. If the boards could ban ICL players why not enforce laws rather than falling goat to IPL. IPL is basically tamasha cricket for the public who do not know cricket and should not be given so much precedence at world level.

dummy4fb
on May 2, 2011, 3:30 GMT

IPL seems to be a very good tournament only for the Indian cricketers. And they are producing good talent. But Other countries are losing because of IPL. Most of the foreign star players are not participating in their domestic games. Instead they participate in some Indian domestic games and help Indians develop their players. It's not good for the development of other countries. That's what happening to SL right now. No star players are featuring in domestic games. And thus reducing the opportunities for young talent to rise. BUT IT'S EVEN WORSE WHEN PLAYERS CHOOSE IPL OVER REPRESENTING THEIR COUNTRIES which happening right now and is very disappointing.

NP_NY
on May 1, 2011, 17:28 GMT

I think some people have got the definition of IPL window all wrong. It's not a window that the IPL desperately needs. It is a 2-month window that the international stars want, so that they won't be pulled in and out of the IPL. It just means that the players are saying "give us 2 months for ourselves and we will give you 10". I realize people who hate the IPL will find a way to blame the IPL for everything. But the fact is, the fans and the boards will have to respect the wish and freedom-of-choice of the players.

randika_ayya
on May 1, 2011, 12:04 GMT

@WestIndies1987: You've gotto be either kidding or extremely naive my friend. Cos you are obviously Indian and Obviously take the view of IPL in India as a global one. Here's an eye opener for you: Though I wouldn't comment against IPL on principal since Domestic success is vital to the games global popularity, the fact remains that IPL IS and WILL always be a domestic tournament. being a cricket crazy country Sri Lanka have not shown much interest in the IPL apart from the games that our stars feature in. Vast majority will not feel allegiances to any team and they won't even know who plays for which team. Its another big bash or a pro-40 for us. So do not expect IPL to take over the world since, while it feeds the Indian ego, it hasn't been anything extraodinary in terms of cricket. But IPL certainly has taken the professionalism in players to the next level with its massive pay-checks so that quite good for the game. This should mean better salaries for pro-cricketers world-wide!

bobagorof
on May 1, 2011, 8:42 GMT

@Ellis: "The ICC must set up a window for the IPL, or see a gradual erosion of quality players from the International scene. " I think what you'd find is exactly the same thing regardless of whether a 'window' is created or not - and that is that players will play IPL when it is on and International matches at other times. So apart from a few matches that coincide with the IPL (whose dates change from year to year), 'quality players' will still be available to their (Inter)national sides. I think the bigger concern from cricket's point of view is the trend towards retiring from longer forms to play in shorter forms, and the effect the shorter forms are having on the skills of the so-called 'quality players'. How many big-turning spinners are there in Twenty20s these days? How many out-and-out fast bowlers are able to maintain their pace through a whole day? These things were common 50 years ago. Now there is too much cricket and not enough basic skills and fitness.

WestIndies1987
on May 1, 2011, 7:19 GMT

I love the IPL and I personally want DOMESTIC cricket to become more prominent. International cricket is becoming BORING with the SAME teams playing over and over again.We need more of Mumbai vs Surrey and Trinidad&Tobago vs New South Wales.

likeintcricket
on May 1, 2011, 7:14 GMT

Cricket is completely different from Football, Basketball or any other sports. Here we have only ten competing members and the shortest cricket tour is of at least a month long with T20, one days and test cricket included in it besides the side matches. Talent wise these 8 members are nearly equal if we take the last 30 years of cricket. If given equal opportunities these teams will always provide tough competition to each other. Nowadays its India who is dominating soon it will be the turn of Australia or some other nation. This is the beauty of international cricket to which we are all proud of. Despite a one sided one day series in West Indies all of the cricket fans are following it closely. I don't think anyone outside India has any interest in IPL games. An international T20 league will provide much better competition and interest than a Mumbai vs Kochi circus.

nzcricket174
on May 1, 2011, 5:53 GMT

Its sad these days how you have to suck up to India to stay in the picture. Basically if you don't abide to India your players won't receive contracts in the IPL.

dibbu
on May 1, 2011, 4:33 GMT

Here's the simple thing. Everyone changes jobs and careers to make the most of the financially productive years. Looking at the way some of the earlier cricketers (and even current cricketers before the ICL forced BCCI hand to come up with IPL) had to suffer to even meet medical expenses, I am very happy for these athletes. Those screaming about national interest etc, can go join armed forces and serve their countries. It is a ridiculous expectation from sports personalities to risk their (and their families) financial well-being given the short careers that they have. No one is forcing anyone to play in the IPL. There's nothing wrong in choosing IPL for x number of years, and get back to national team, and vice-versa. These athletes do not owe anything to anyone! If any of them is in financial trouble do these self-appointed patriots come to rescue them? No. So, leave them alone, and get on with the game!

souths70
on May 1, 2011, 0:09 GMT

The IPL is great for Indian Cricket and to have the international exposure is fantastic. But as an Australian there is no interest in the IPL in terms of watching a match. Indian's will support the team that they associate most with; normally where they come from. This does not transfer outside of India. As an Aussie, I have no interest in supporting Bangalore any more that an Indian would be interested in a supporting New South Wales. This is not anti-IPL; rather just a reality in supporting that what you associate either with values or locality, is not available to those outside India. It is a well run domestic competition that Indians will enjoy and should be rather proud of the concept created. But internationally I see no benefit to any group outside of India either as a supporter or other International boards.

cooljack_143
on April 30, 2011, 18:29 GMT

LONG LIVE IPL..There were days when I used to watch match between arsenal, Manchester united, Barcelona and think if cricket could ever have such wonderful clubs to play and here it is a DREAM COME TRUE..What a joy for the cricket fans especially in the holidays, as America enjoys ball game we enjoy CRICKET 20/20 with pop and popcorn.I wish many take up cricket as career with this inspiration.

rodox28
on April 30, 2011, 16:49 GMT

Finally somebody is being straightforward. If Malinga or anybody wants to earn money by playing in the IPL thats fine. But please be honest about it. Thats all.

itssundar
on April 30, 2011, 13:12 GMT

For all those, asking for window in IPL, how many of England, NewZealand, West Indies and Pakistan internationals were purchased by IPL teams? Even excluding Pakistani players, their numbers are less than others not selected. I mean number of international players out of IPL for the small countries are more than ones inside. So you effectively shunting them out of play and opportunity to earn, understand they also don't have IPL money. There can only be certain number of players, we need as much chance be given to Indian youngsters, hence this is fine. All IPL teams have enough reserve players to compensate for star players who may go on International duty. Hence it is logical to have international cricket during IPL season or if you need a window, reduce your IPL duration to only max 4 weeks. The decision needs to be made case by case and BCCI should be high handed to the franchises and ask them to release all players for international duty including warm-up games on tour.

Sundar

RajuGVRK
on April 30, 2011, 12:51 GMT

In today's world, because of the globalization, all the developing nations like India are getting benefited in terms of employment for the people, more oppurtunities across. So I do not see any issue if players from all other countries are getting benefited with IPL. Infact I feel proud being an Indian for this as we are able bring difference in the lives of the players of other countries. We have to accept that many B and C catogory players are making their lives. Instead of breaking our heads in finding falut with IPL, its better they think in a different direction of how to bring a more competitive options. It should be a Win-Win situation for the Board and the players. From the board perspective, I recommend they should give chance for more players for Test and ODI and T20 formats. Never depend on only few players but create a competitive environment among them with more number of players. This is one important aspect in Indian team last 4 yrs and also a reason behind the WC win.

stormy16
on April 30, 2011, 12:49 GMT

I dont think this is an IPL, BCCI or Malinga issue. As Law states it plainly its hard to ignore the lure of the IPL riches and there is nothing wrong in that - I would, any day. Tell me I can work for 4 months of the year and earn what I can working year round in three years - its a no brainer. The solution is the boards paying its cricketers fairly to ensure the IPL (big bash ETC) doest make the massive attraction it is. Obviously the BCCI/India cannot be matched but there doesnt need to be a huge gap. SLC has plundered and wasted millions which the reason they cant pay the players properly and there is lay the blame/reason and thankfully the IPL offers some players the opportunity to secure their financial future - no point blaiming the IPL for that.

AJKU
on April 30, 2011, 11:40 GMT

I am sick and tired of BCCI and IPL being portrayed as the villain. Any international cricketeer, of worthy mention would want to particapte in IPL because the best players are there and is you need to attrach the best you need to pay them It's simple as that. That's th eway footbal functions. Even the premiership football clubs are grouchy when they have to release their star players who are called on country duty. IPL is huge, attractive and here to stay. Why not aske the boards to create a window so that the players can participte in the IPL...why not...I don't mind being paid a million if I need to work for just 3 hours a day rather than sweat it out for 8 hrs ....

ChuckyDoll
on April 30, 2011, 11:39 GMT

There is nothing obscene about athletes making money. In a risk/reward perspective, they are taking higher risk to earn higher reward. Either you have to adapt to the demand on the job (IPL) or think about your job as charity or national service (Test Cricket) and live your life feeling proud (but no money). Whatever it takes to take care of your family, kids education. When you as adult work, you are really not working for yourself but you are working to secure your family's and children's future. This SL coach is right on the money.

Ellis
on April 30, 2011, 11:32 GMT

Stuart Law has stated the blindingly obvious. The IPL offers players financial rewards that they cannot refuse. The ICC must set up a window for the IPL, or see a gradual erosion of quality players from the International scene. All these theories about the BCCI plotting to take over cricket internationally, are a load of nonsense. India has a vast cricket crazy population that supports the IPL. Apart from the underlying jealousy at it's success, nobody has advanced a convincing rationale for the cessation of the IPL.As the saying goes " the dogs bark, but the caravan moves on."

nithinsnair
on April 30, 2011, 11:12 GMT

the power in the hands of one cricket board is not good for the game...eventhough i am an indian i hope tht this problem will b resolved by other cricket boards standin together...but as law said the other side of the story is how many malingas had their career thrown away coz of injuries after tht neglectd by the board ends up as day labourers...u cant blame the crickters for wantin to keep their and their families future safe....hence ipl is a necessary evil and its time ICC recognisd this and included it ini its FTP..other boards shud undrstnd the reason and co-operate for the cricketers

safvan82
on April 30, 2011, 10:46 GMT

India's Role in International Cricket is like US role in international affairs...!!!!its gr8

dummy4fb
on April 30, 2011, 10:36 GMT

I don't concur with this whole world view which is developing that Indians are the villians of world cricket. At the end of the day, BCCI is not forcing anyone to play in the IPL, players do it of their own accord. If anything, BCCI is making sure the game gets reicher by way of channelizing the money from the biggest corporate houses in the country to the game of cricket.

Amit416
on April 30, 2011, 10:18 GMT

The amount of money players are getting from IPL is huge and i don,t think any board will be able to pay them that amount of money. Please don,t make it a matter of pride that Srilankan players should not get money from IPL. Players are getting money because of their skills and what's wrong if IPL is securing the future of players and their families..

dummy4fb
on April 30, 2011, 10:13 GMT

A very balanced article from Stuart Law. Let's admit it. India has to be humoured, whether we like it or not. At the same time we also need to think of the players and SLC. Therefore, compromise is the name of the game. I am happy cooler heads prevailed.

AyazNoorM
on April 30, 2011, 9:17 GMT

sad for cricket. the world would support them even if they aren't doing good for cricket

dummy4fb
on April 30, 2011, 9:06 GMT

sad situation. our government should spend more on crickets, its the only game we do well. hope our government spends more on our guys n they dont need to expect anything from india.we dont have to treat anyone as big brother, we r an independent sovereign country

No featured comments at the moment.

dummy4fb
on April 30, 2011, 9:06 GMT

sad situation. our government should spend more on crickets, its the only game we do well. hope our government spends more on our guys n they dont need to expect anything from india.we dont have to treat anyone as big brother, we r an independent sovereign country

AyazNoorM
on April 30, 2011, 9:17 GMT

sad for cricket. the world would support them even if they aren't doing good for cricket

dummy4fb
on April 30, 2011, 10:13 GMT

A very balanced article from Stuart Law. Let's admit it. India has to be humoured, whether we like it or not. At the same time we also need to think of the players and SLC. Therefore, compromise is the name of the game. I am happy cooler heads prevailed.

Amit416
on April 30, 2011, 10:18 GMT

The amount of money players are getting from IPL is huge and i don,t think any board will be able to pay them that amount of money. Please don,t make it a matter of pride that Srilankan players should not get money from IPL. Players are getting money because of their skills and what's wrong if IPL is securing the future of players and their families..

dummy4fb
on April 30, 2011, 10:36 GMT

I don't concur with this whole world view which is developing that Indians are the villians of world cricket. At the end of the day, BCCI is not forcing anyone to play in the IPL, players do it of their own accord. If anything, BCCI is making sure the game gets reicher by way of channelizing the money from the biggest corporate houses in the country to the game of cricket.

safvan82
on April 30, 2011, 10:46 GMT

India's Role in International Cricket is like US role in international affairs...!!!!its gr8

nithinsnair
on April 30, 2011, 11:12 GMT

the power in the hands of one cricket board is not good for the game...eventhough i am an indian i hope tht this problem will b resolved by other cricket boards standin together...but as law said the other side of the story is how many malingas had their career thrown away coz of injuries after tht neglectd by the board ends up as day labourers...u cant blame the crickters for wantin to keep their and their families future safe....hence ipl is a necessary evil and its time ICC recognisd this and included it ini its FTP..other boards shud undrstnd the reason and co-operate for the cricketers

Ellis
on April 30, 2011, 11:32 GMT

Stuart Law has stated the blindingly obvious. The IPL offers players financial rewards that they cannot refuse. The ICC must set up a window for the IPL, or see a gradual erosion of quality players from the International scene. All these theories about the BCCI plotting to take over cricket internationally, are a load of nonsense. India has a vast cricket crazy population that supports the IPL. Apart from the underlying jealousy at it's success, nobody has advanced a convincing rationale for the cessation of the IPL.As the saying goes " the dogs bark, but the caravan moves on."

ChuckyDoll
on April 30, 2011, 11:39 GMT

There is nothing obscene about athletes making money. In a risk/reward perspective, they are taking higher risk to earn higher reward. Either you have to adapt to the demand on the job (IPL) or think about your job as charity or national service (Test Cricket) and live your life feeling proud (but no money). Whatever it takes to take care of your family, kids education. When you as adult work, you are really not working for yourself but you are working to secure your family's and children's future. This SL coach is right on the money.

AJKU
on April 30, 2011, 11:40 GMT

I am sick and tired of BCCI and IPL being portrayed as the villain. Any international cricketeer, of worthy mention would want to particapte in IPL because the best players are there and is you need to attrach the best you need to pay them It's simple as that. That's th eway footbal functions. Even the premiership football clubs are grouchy when they have to release their star players who are called on country duty. IPL is huge, attractive and here to stay. Why not aske the boards to create a window so that the players can participte in the IPL...why not...I don't mind being paid a million if I need to work for just 3 hours a day rather than sweat it out for 8 hrs ....